1-(Quinazolinyl) indol-3-ylacetic acids, esters and amides

ABSTRACT

1-(Heterocyclic)-indol-3-ylacetic acid derivatives, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. An illustrative compound of the invention is 1-(7chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetic acid. The compounds have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity.

United States Patent Birchall et al.

l-(QUINAZOLINYL) lNDOL-3-YLACETIC ACIDS, ESTERS AND AMIDES Inventors: George Richard Birchall; Walter Hepworth; Stephen Collyer Smith, all of MacClesfield, England Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries Limited, London, England Filed: Oct. 10, 1972 Appl. No.: 296,202

Foreign Application Priority Data Nov. 3, 1971 United Kingdom 5l086/7l Apr. 19. 1972 United Kingdom 18116/72 June 30, 1972 United Kingdom 30767/72 US. Cl... 260/256.4 Q; 260/250 C; 260/250 Q; 260/256.4 N; 260/256.5 R; 260/287 R; 260/288 R; 260/305; 260/307 D; 260/569; 424/250; 424/251; 424/266; 424/270; 424/272 424/250; 424/251; 424/262; 424/270;

Int. Cl C07d 51/48 UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,l90,889 6/1965 Shen 260/256.4 N

Primary ExaminerHenry R. Jiles Assistant Examiner-S. D. Winters Attorney, Agent, or FirmCushman, Darby & Cushman [5 7] ABSTRACT 1-(Heterocyclic)-indol-3-ylacetic acid derivatives, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. An illustrative compound of the invention is 1-(7-chloroquinaz0lin-4-yl)- 5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetic acid. The compounds have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity.

7 Claims, No Drawings l-(QUINAZOLINYL) INDOL-3-YLACETIC ACIDS, ESTERS AND AMIDES This invention relates to indole derivatives and more particularly it relates to new heterocyclic-indol-3-ylcarboxylic acid derivatives which possess antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity.

According to the invention there are provided compounds of the formula:-

wherein R stands for a heterocyclic radical selected from pyrimidinyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, cinnolinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, benzthiazolyl and benzoxazolyl radicals, the said heterocyclic radical being linked to the nitrogen atom of the indole nucleus through a ring carbon atom which is conjugated with a ring nitrogen atom in the said heterocyclic radical, and the said heterocyclic radical optionally bearing not more than two substituents selected from C -alkyl, C -alkoxy, C, -alkylthio, amino (-NH halogen, trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl and phenyl substituents; and R stands for hydrogen or a C -alkyl radical; and R and R, which may be the same or different, stand for hydrogen or a methyl radical; and R stands for a radical of the formula COR" or CH O R, wherein R stands for a hydroxy, C -alkoxy, benzyloxy, phenoxy, di-C alkylamino-C alkoxy, (C ,,cycloalkyl)methoxy, amino, C,. -alkylamino, di-C =,-alkyl-amino, anilino, hydrazino or N-l ,3-dicyclohexylureido radical, and R stands for hydrogen or a C -alkanoyl radical; and R stands for hydrogen or a methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy radical or not more than two substituents selected from C -alkoxy, C -alkyl, cycloalkyl of not more than 5 carbon atoms, and di-C -alkylamino radicals and halogen atoms; and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.

As stated above, the heterocyclic radical R is linked to the nitrogen atom of the indole nucleus through one of its ring carbon atoms which is conjugated with a ring nitrogen atom'. Accordingly, it is to be understood that R is linked to the nitrogen atom of the indole nucleus through one of the following positions of the former:

when R stands for a pyrimidinyl raidcal, through position 2, 4 or 6 thereof;

when R stands for a benzthiazolyl or benzoxazolyl radical, through position 2 thereof;

when R stands for a quinolyl or quinazolinyl radical,

through position 2 or 4 thereof;

when R stands for a cinnolinyl radical, through position 4 thereof;

when R stands for a quinoxalinyl radical, through position 2 or 3 thereof; and

when R stands for an isoquinolyl radical, through position 1 thereof.

acetic ylacetic It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that some of the compounds of the formula I possess at least one asymmetric carbon atom, for example this is the case if R and R are different. These asymmetric compounds may be resolved into the corresponding optically-active forms (i.e. enantiomorphic forms) by conventional procedures. It is to be understood that the racemates of the formula I possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity and that, in addition, at least some of the optically active compounds of the formula I possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic and/or antipyretic activity. It is also to be understood that the compounds of this invention encompass both those compounds of the formula I which are racemates and the optically active compounds of the formula I which possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic and/or antipyretic activity.

The substituent(s) which may optionally be present in the heterocyclic radical R may, for example, be selected from methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, methoxy, methylthio, amino, fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl and phenyl substituents.

A suitable value for R when it stands for a C, -alkyl radical is, for example, a methyl radical.

A suitable value for R is, for example, hydrogen or a methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy radical or not more than two substituents selected from methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and dimethylamino radicals and fluorine, chlorine and bromine atoms.

A suitable value for R is, for example, a hydroxy,

methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, 2- dimethylaminoethoxy, benzyloxy, phenoxy, cyclohexylmethoxy, amino, methylamino, dimethylamino,

anilino, hydrazino or N- l ,3-dicyclohexylureido radical. A suitable value for R is, for example, hydrogen or a formyl, acetyl or propionly radical. Thus, it is to be noted that for convenience in this specification the expression alkanoyl radical includes a formyl radical. Suitable salts of the invention in the case where the compound of the formula I is sufficiently basic are pharmaceuticallyacceptable acid-addition salts, for example a hydrochloride, hydrobromide or citrate. A suitable salt in the case where R stands for a hydroxy raidcal is a salt in which the anion is derived from the said compound of the formula I and the cation is a pharmaceutically-acceptable cation, for example an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, aluminum or ammonium salt, or a salt with a pharmaceutically-acceptable organic base, for example triethanolamine.

Particularly active compound of the invention are l- (7-chloroquinol-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3- ylacetic acid, l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy- 2-methylindol-3-ylacetic acid, l-(7-bromoquinazolin- 4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetic acid, l-(7- fluoroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2=methylindol-3-ylacid, 5-methoxy-2-methyll -(2- methylquinazolin-4-yl)indol-3-ylacetic acid, l-(7- chlorocinnolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3- acid, l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl )-2 ,5- dimethylindol-3-ylacetic acid, l-( 2 ,6- dimethoxypyrimidin-4-yl)-2,5-dimethylindol-3-ylacetic acid, l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-fluoro-2- methylindol-3-ylacetic acid, methyl l-( 7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3- ylacetate and methyl l-(7-chloroquinol-4-yl)-5- and wherein R and R have the meanings stated above and Q stands for an amino radical (-Nl-l or a radical of the formula:

III

wherein R stands for hydrogen or a methyl or ethyl radical, and R stands for a methyl, ethyl or phenyl radical, or an acid-addition salt thereof, with a compound of the formula:

R"COCH CRRR iv wherein R R, R and R have the meanings stated immediately above, under the influence of heat.

A suitable acid-addition salt of the compound of the formula II is for example, a hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulphate or fluoroborate. The reaction may be carried out at, for example, 40 to 150C., and more particularly 60 to 120C. The reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of an acid, for example laevulinic acid (which is, of course, within the definition of the reactant of formula IV), acetic acid, or a relatively strong acid, for example hydrochloric, sulphuric, perchloric or polyphosphoric acid. Under these conditions the reaction may optionally be carried out in a suitable solvent, for example water, a C alkanol, for example ethanol, or acetic acid, or a mixture of any of these, and/or in an excess of a low melting compound of the formula IV, for example laevulinic acid.

It is to be understood that, when the starting material of the formula IV is a carboxylic acid and a C -alkanol is used as a solvent, the product is obtained as the corresponding alkyl ester. Alternatively, the reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of a Lewis acid, for example boron trifluoride etherate. A C -alkanol, for example methanol or ethanol, may optionally also be present, but in this case when the starting material of the formula IV is a carboxylic acid, the product is obtained as the corresponding alkyl ester.

Those of the starting materials of the formula II which are hydrazines may be obtained by reacting the appropriate phenylhydrazine of the formula:

wherein R has the meaning stated above, with a compound of the formula RHal, wherein R has the meaning stated above and Hal stands for a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, in the presence of sodium acetate or a hydrate thereof, in the presence of a solvent. for example water, a C -alkanol, benzene or 1,2- dimethoxyethane. The remaining starting materials, that is, the hydrazones of the formula ll, may be obtained by reacting the appropriate hydrazine of the formula II with the appropriate aldehyde or ketone of the formula R COR, wherein R and R have the meanings stated above. This reaction may be carried out in an excess of the said aldehyde or ketone and/or in the presence of an organic solvent, for example benzene or toluene. The reaction may optionally be catalysed by means of an inorganic or organic acid, for example sulphuric or acetic acid. However, a preferred method of making those of the said hydrazones wherein R stands for a quinazolinyl or cinnolinyl radical comprises reacting a compound of the formula:-

with a compound of the formula Rl-lal, under the influ-- wherein R,'R R, R and R have the meanings stated above, and R stands for acyano, carbamoyl, alkoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl or phenoxycarbonyl radical.

A suitable hydrolytic agent is, for example, an alkali metal hydroxide, for example sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The hydrolysis is carried out in the presence of water, and optionally an organic solvent, for example a (Z -alkanol, for example ethanol, may be present. The reaction may optionally be accelerated or completed by the application of heat, for example it may be carried out at 50 to 150C, for example at reflux temperature. v

Those of the starting materials of the formula Vll wherein R stands for a cyano radical, R and R" stand for hydrogen, and R, R and R have the meanings stated above, may be obtained by the following sequence of reactions:

R6 I 2 1 R6 N/- R R Hal VIII H dehydrogenation The amide starting materials of the formula Vll (i.e. wherein R stands for a carbamoyl radical) are formed as a by-product in the production of the nitriles of the formula Xlll when made by the above sequence of reactions, and they may be obtained from the latter compounds by hydrolysis. The ester starting materials of the formula Vll are obtainable by a process described hereinbefore.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of the compounds of the formula I, wherein R R R, R and R have the meanings stated above and R stands for a radical of the formula COR or cH OR, wherein R has the meaning stated above and R stands for a C alkanoyl radical, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which comprises dehydrogenating the corresponding indoline derivative of the formula:

XIV

. I R g wherein R, R R. R and R have the meanings stated above, and R has the meaning started immediately above.

It is to be understood that by the word dehydrogenating" there is meant the removal of one hydrogen atom from the 2-position, and one from the 3-position, of the said indoline derivative, so as to give the corre- 5 sponding indole derivative. The dehydrogenation may be effected by means of a dehydrogenation catalyst. for example a palladium on charcoal catalyst, in the pres- XIII ence of a suitable organic solvent, for example diphenyl ether, at an elevated tempeature, for example at or about reflux temperature. Alternatively, the dehydrogenation may be effected by means of a known compound having dehydrogenating properties, for example 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-l,4-benzoquinone or 2,3-dichloro- 5,6-dicyano-l,4-benzoquinone, in a suitable solvent, for example dry xylene, 1,2-dimethoxyethane or dimethylformamide, at 20 to C., for example at reflux temperature.

The indoline starting materials of the formula XIV, except for the hydrazides wherein R stands for the group CONHNH may be obtained by using an analogous process to that outlined above for the production of the intermediates of the formula IX. The said hydrazides may be obtained by interaction of an appropriate ester of the formula XIV with hydrazine, by an analogous reaction to that described below.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of those of the compounds of the formula I wherein R", R, R", R

The said esterification may be carried out by any appropriate general method, for example:

1. By reacting the said carboxylic acid with the alcohol reactant, which may optionally be present in excess, in the presence of an acid, for example a Lewis acid, for example boron trifluoride etherate, or sulphuric acid (this is not suitable in the case where R stands for a quinazolinyl or cinnolinyl radical). This reaction may conveniently be carried out at about 40 to 120C, for example under reflux.

2. By reacting an acid halide, for example an acid chloride, or an acid anhydride (which expression includes a mixed acid anhydride) with the alcohol reactant. The reaction may be carried out in an excess of the alcohol reactant and/or in the presence of an organic solvent, for example chloroform, dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran or l,2- dimethoxyethane, and preferably the said alcohol reactant or organic solvent is used in a dry form. This reaction may conveniently be carried out at about 20 to 100C., for example under reflux.

3. By reacting the said carboxylic acid with a carbodiimide, for example dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and then, without isolation, reacting the product with the alcohol reactant. The reaction may be carried out in the presence of an ogranic solvent, for example chloroform, l,2-dimethoxyethane, dimethylformamide, acetonitrile or tetrahydrofuran, and preferably the solvent is used in dry form. The reaction may conveniently be carried out at about 20 to lC., preferably at room temperature.

4. By reacting a metal salt, for example a sodium salt,

of the said carboxylic acid with a compound of the formula RX, which may optionally be in excess, wherein R stands for a C -alkyl, benzyl, di-C,. -alkylamino-C -alkyl or (C -cycloalkyl)methyl radical, and X stands for a halogen atom, for example a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, or a toluenesulphonyloxy or methanesulphonyloxy radical. The reaction may be carried out in the presence of an organic solvent, for example dimethylformamide, l,2-dimethoxyethane, acetonitrile or tetrahydrofuran, and preferably the solvent is used in dry form. The reaction may conveniently be carried out at about 20 to 100C. for example at room temperature.

According to a further feature of the invention there 7 is provided a process for the manufacture of the compounds of the formula I, wherein R stands for a quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, benzoxazolyl or benzthiazolyl radical, which is linked to the nitrogen atom of the indole nucleus through a ring carbon atom which conjugated with a ring nitrogen atom in said radical, and which may optionally be substituted as stated above,

and R stands for a radical of the formula COR or --CH OR", wherein R" stands for a C,. -alkoxy, benzyloxy, phenoxy, di-C,. -alkylamino-C -all oxy or (C -cycloalky1)methoxy radical and R stands for a C alkanoyl radical, and R, R", Riand R*,have the meanings 1 stated above, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula;

8 with a halogenoheterocyclic compound of the formul R'l-lal, wherein R and R have the meanings stated immediately above and R R R, R. and Hal have the meanings stated above, in the presence of sodium or potassium or. the hydride or amide thereof or nbutyllithium or lithium di-isopropylamide.

The process is conveniently carried out in a dry inert solvent, for example dimethylformamide or hexamethylenephosphorus triamide, and at about 20 to 50C.

The starting materials of the formula XV may be obtained by conventional procedures involving the acidcatalysed reaction of a compound of the formula IV with an appropriate compound of the formula II.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of the compounds of the formula I wherein R stands for a quinazolinyl or cinnolinyl radical, which is linked to the nitrogen atom of the indole nucleus through a ring car-- bon atom which is conjugated with a ring nitrogen atom in said radical, and which may optionally be substituted as stated above, and R stands for a radical of the formula COR" or -CH OR wherein R stands for a C, -alkoxy, benzyloxy, phenoxy, di-C,. -alkylamino-C alkoxy, (C -cycloalkyl)methoxy, amino, C,. alkylamino, di-C -alkylamino, anilino or N-] ,3- dicyclohexylureido radical and R stands for a C alkanoyl radical, and R, R, R and R have the meanings stated above, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula:

XVI

with aco mpound of the formula RY, so as to give a compound of the formula:

XVII

The entire'process is conveniently carried out in a dry, relatively high boiling, inert organic solvent,vfor example such a solvent of boiling point 50 to 200C., for example l,2-dimethoxyethane, diethyleneglycol dimethyl ether, dioxan, diphenyl ether or dimethylformamide. The first stage of the process is conveniently carried out at 20 to 100C, and more particularly at about 60 to C. The ring-closure step is carried out by heating the product of the formula XVll to elevated temperature, for example 40 to C, for example reflux temperature, preferably under acidic conditions.

organic solvent, for example diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran, or laevulinic or acetic acid, may be added to the reaction mixture.

The starting materials of the formula XVI may be obtained by reacting a phenylhydrazine derivative of the formula V, wherein R has the meaning stated above, with a compound of the formula IV, wherein R R, R and R have the meanings stated immediately above. The reaction may be carried out at to 100C., and more particularly at 25 to 50C., and in a suitable organic solvent, for example a C -alkanol, for example ethanol, or benzene, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, or diethyl ether. A catalytic quantity of an acid, for example acetic, sulphuric or perchloric acid, may optionally also be present.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of compounds of the formula 1, wherein R, R R, R and R have the meanings stated above and R stands for a radical of the formula COR wherein R stands for an amino, C -alkylamino, di-C -alkylamino, anilino or hydrazino radical, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which comprises carrying out a known general process for making amides using as starting material a carboxylic acid of the formula I wherein R stands for a carboxy radical, or an acid halide, anhydride or nitrile thereof, so as to obtain the desired product.

The said amides may be obtained, for example, as follows:

1. By reacting an appropriate ester, for example an ester of the formula I wherein R stands for an alkoxycarbonyl radical, or an acid halide or anhydride (which term includes a mixed acid anhydride) with a reactant of the formula RI-I, wherein R has the meaning stated immediately above. The process may be carried out in the presence of an organic solvent, for example dimethylformamide, chloroform, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran or 1,2-dimethoxyethane. In the case where R stands for an alkoxycarbonyl radical, but not in the other cases, the solvent may be a C -alkanol. In the case where the reactant is an acid halide or anhydride, the solvent is preferably used in dry form. The process may be carried out at to 100C; in the case where the reactant is an ester it is preferably carried out under reflux, but in the other cases it is preferably carried out at about room temperature.

By reacting the said carboxylic acid with a carbodiimide, for example dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and then reacting the product with the reactant of the formula R H, wherein R has the meaning stated immediately above. The process is conveniently carried out in a dry organic solvent, for example dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, acetonitrile or 1,2- dimethoxyethane, at 20 to 100C, preferably at room temperature.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of those of the compounds of the formula I wherein R, R R R and R" have the meanings stated above and R stands for a radical of the formula COR wherein R stands for a N-l,3-dicyclohexylureido radical, and phramceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which comprises reacting the corresponding carboxylic acid of the formula I, wherein R stands for a carboxy radical, with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide in a suitable organic solvent.

A suitable solvent is, for example, 1,2-

dimethoxyethane, and the process is conveniently carried out at room temperature.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of those of the compounds of the formula I wherein R contains one or two C -alkoxy substituents, R, R, R and R have the meanings stated above, and R stands for a carboxy or hydroxymethyl radical, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which comprises reacting the corresponding compound of the formula I, wherein R contains one or two active halogen substituents, with an alkali metal derivative of a C alkanol.

By an active halogen substituent" we mean a halogen substituent which, because of its chemical nature, its position in the said heterocyclic radical R, and the chemical nature of said heterocyclic radical itself, is sufficiently active to take part in standard nucleophilic displacement reactions. Two examples of such active halogen substituents are thechlorine substituents in a 2,6-dich1oropyrimid-4-yl radical. The reaction may be carried out in an organic solvent, which can be the alkanol corresponding to the alkali metal alkoxide used as reactant. The reaction is conveniently carried out at 60 to 120C, for example under reflux.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of those of.

the compounds of the formula I wherein R, R R, R and R have the meanings stated above, and R stands for a C,- -a1koxy radical optionally together with a C alkyl, cycloalkyl of not more than 5 carbon atoms, di- C -alkylamino or halogeno substituent, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which comprises reacting the corresponding compound of the formula I, wherein R stands for a hydroxy radical, optionally together with an additional substituent as stated immediately above, or the corresponding alkali metal derivative (i.e. wherein an alkali metal atom replaces the hydrogen atom of the said hydroxy radical), with a compound of the formula R X, wherein R stands for a C -alkyl radical and X has the meaning stated above,

, and, in the case where the hydroxy derivative is used as reactant, in the presence of an acid-binding agent.

A suitable acid-binding agent is sodium or potassium hydride, or sodium or potassium carbonate. The reaction is conveniently carried out in a dry organic solvent,

for example acetone, dimethylformamide, 1,2-

dimethoxyethane or tetrahydrofuran.

The hydroxy derivatives used as starting material may be obtained by the debenzylation of the corre-- sponding benzyloxy derivatives, either by hydrogenolysis, for example with hydrogen and a 10%w/w palladium or charcoal catalyst, or using a solution of hydrogen bromide in glacial acetic acid at 0 to 20C.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of those of the compounds of the formula I wherein R bears a flufluoro substituent, thermally decomposing the dry diazonium fluoroborate salt at 40l00C.

The diazotisation is carried out in conventional manner at a relatively low temperature, for example to C. In the case of the chloro or bromo substituent, the second stage of the process is conveniently carried out at room temperature.

The amino derivatives used as starting materials may be obtained by reducing the corresponding nitro derivatives by means of hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst, for example a palladium on charcoal catalyst, and the nitro derivatives themselves may be obtained by the first process described herein.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of those of the compounds of the formula I wherein R, R R, R and R have the meanings stated above, and R stands for a hydroxymethyl radical, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof, which comprises reacting a corresponding ester of the formula I, wherein R stands for an alkoxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl or aryloxycarbonyl radical, with sodium borohydride, potassium borohydride or lithium aluminium hydride.

In the case of sodium or potassium borohydride, the reaction may be carried out in an organic solvent, for example a C -alkanol, for example methanol, and at a temperature of to 120C., for example under reflux. In the case of lithium aluminium hydride, a suitable solvent is dry tetrahydrofuran or ether. The esters used as starting materials may be obtained by methods described hereinbefore.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a process for the manufacture of those of the compounds of the formula I wherein R R R, R and R have the meanings stated above and R stands for a radical of the formula CI-I OR, wherein R stands for a C -alkanoyl radical, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which comprises acylating the corresponding compound of the formula I wherein R stands for a hydroxymethyl radical.

The acylation may be carried out in conventional manner, for example, in the case where R stands for a C -alkanoyl radical, the acylation may be carried out by reacting the said hydroxy derivative with an acid halide or anhydride, for example acetic anhydried, optionally in the presence of an organic solvent. The reaction may be accelerated or completed by the application of heat. In the case where R stands for a formyl radical, the acylation may be carried out, for example, by reacting the said hydroxy derivative with a C -alkyl formate, for example ethyl formate, which alkyl formate may optionally be present in excess, in the presence of a catalytic amount of an acid, for example sulphuric acid or a Lewis acid. Alternatively, the formates may be obtained by reacting the said hydroxy derivative with formic acid. Both formylation reactions may be accelerated or completed by the application of heat.

The pharmaceutically-acceptable salts of the invention are obtained by conventional procedures.

The anti-inflammatory activity of the compounds of the invention has been demonstrated in two well known tests involving adjuvant induced arthritis and carrageenin induced oedema in the rat, their analgesic activity has been demonstrated in the socalled mouse squirm test and in another test involving established arthritis in rats, and their antipyretic activity has been demonstrated in a standard antipyretic test in rats. The

activity in these tests depends upon the chemical structure of the particular compound being tested, but generally speaking the compounds of this invention showactivity at a dose in the region 0.5 to lO0mg./kg. No toxic effects or undesirable side effects have been observed in the rat or mouse with the compounds of the invention, at doses at which the compounds show activity in the above-mentioned tests.

When a compound of the invention is used as an antiinflammatory, analgesic or antipyretic agent in the treatment of warm-blooded mammals, for example man, for example for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, it is recommended that said compound be administered orally at a total daily dose of 25 to 1,000mg. per kg. bodyweight, for example as an aqueous or nonaqueous solution or suspension or as a dosage unit form, for example a tablet or capsule comprising 5 to 250mg. of the said compound. Alternatively, the said compound may be dosed rectally as a suppository at a total daily dose of 25 to l,000 mg. per 70kg. bodyweight, or it may be adminstered topically as necessary.

According to a further feature of the invention there are provided pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the formula I. wherein R. R R. R. R and R have the meanings stated above, or a phannaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, and an inert pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.

The said pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of, for example, dosage unit forms, for example tablets or capsules, or suppositories, aqueous or nonaqueous solutions or suspensions, sterile injectable aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, creams, lotions or ointments. The compositions are obtainablein a conventional manner using conventional diluents and car-, riers.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may contain, in addition to a compound of the invention, at least one known agent having antiinflammatory and/or analgesic activity, for example aspirin, paracetamol, codeine, chloroquine, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, indor'nethacin, mefenamic acid, flufenamic acid, ibufenac, or an antiinflammatory steroid, for example prednisolone. Those compositions intended for oral adminstration may, in addition, optionally contain at least one antacid, for example aluminium hydroxide, and/or a urisocuric agent, for example .probenecid.

The invention is illustrated by the following'nonlimiting Examples:

EXAMPLE I N-Phenyl-N-(2-amino-6-methylpyrimidin-4- y1)hydrazine (7g.) was suspended in laevulinic acid (25g), and the mixture was heated at C. for 1 hour whilst a stream of dry hydrogen chloride was passed through it. The mixture was then heated for a further 5 hours at 100C. and, after cooling, it was diluted with ethyl acetate (l50ml.). The resulting precipitate was collectedby filtration-and washed with ether (l50ml.). The solid was suspended in hot water (ml; ca 70C.), and aqueous ammonium hydroxide (D=0.880) was added until the pH of the solution was 10. The resulting mixture was filtered, and, whilst it was still hot, the filtrate carefully acidified with glacial acetic acid until no further precipitate was obtained. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and then filtered. The solid residue was added to methanol (100ml.), the mixethanol ture heated under reflux for 30 minutes, and then cooled and filtered. The solid residue was crystallised from methanol (300ml.), and there was thus obtained l-( Z-amino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl )-2-methylindol-3- ylacetic acid, m.p.154155C. (decomposition).

The hydrazine derivative used as starting material was obtained as follows:

A mixture of phenylhydrazine (66ml), 2-amino-4- chloro-6-methylpyrimidine (86g), and sodium acetate trihydrate (120g) in water (2 l.) was heated under reflux for 16 hours. The mixture was cooled, and adjusted to pH 9.0 by the addition of 40% w/v aqueous sodium hydroxide. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, and washed successively with water (2 l.) and ethanol (200ml.). The solid was crystallised from to give N-phenyl-N-(2-amino-6- methylpyrimidin-4-yl)hydrazine, m.p. l 73l74C.

EXAMPLE 2 A mixture of N-phenyl-N-(2,6-dichlorpyrimidin-4- yl)-hydrazine (30g) and laevulinic acid (50g) was heated at 100C. for 3 hours whilst a stream of hydrogen chloride gas was passed through it. The mixture was cooled and added to water (400ml.), and the resulting mixture filtered to give l-(2,6- dichloropyrimidin-4-yl)-2-methylindol-3-ylacetic acid, m.p.205207C.

The hydrazine derivative used as starting material was prepared as follows:

A mixture of 2,4,6-trichloropyrimidine (50ml.) and phenylhydrazine (45ml.) was added to a solution of sodium acetate trihydrate (100g) in water (270ml.) and ethanol (720ml.). The resulting mixture was kept at room temperature for 3days. The resulting crystalline precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with ethanol (100ml) and dried at 60C. to give N-phenyl-N- (2,6-dichloropyrimidin-4-yl)hydrazine, l44-l16C.

EXAMPLE 3 A mixture of 2-methyl-l-quinol-4-ylindol-3-ylacetonitrile and Z-methyll -quinol-4-ylindol-3- ylacetamide (obtained as described below) was dissolved in ethanol (50ml.). w/v Aqueous potassium hydroxide (50ml.) was added, and the mixture was heated under reflux for hours. The solvents were then evaporated in vacuo, and the residue was diluted with water l00ml.). The aqueous solution was washed with chloroform (3 X 50ml.) and then carefully aciditied with 2N-hydrochloric acid to pH 5. The resulting mixture was filtered and the solid residue was washed with water and then dried at 60C. There was thus obtained Z-methyl-l-quinol-4-ylindol-3-ylacetic acid, m.p. 235-240C.

The mixture of nitrile and amide used as starting material was obtained as follows:

A solution of Z-methylindoline (3.96g.) and 4,7- dichloroquinoline (5.91g.) in ethanol (l00ml.) containing one drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid was heated under reflux for 4 hours. The solution was cooled, and to it was added a saturated solution of sodium acetate in ethanol (100ml), followed by water (200ml.). The mixture was extracted with chloroform (2 X 50ml.), and the combined extracts were dried (MgSO and evaported to give 7-chloro-4-(2- methylindolin-l-yl)quinoline as a yellow oil [the corresponding hydrochloride was obtained in conventional manner and had m.p. 248250C. (decomposition)].

A solution of 7-chloro-4-(Z-methylindolin-l-yl)- quinoline (l7g.) in diphenyl ether (50ml.) containing 10% w/w palladium on charcoal catalyst (6.5g.) was heated under reflux for 3 hours. The mixture was cooled and filtered, and the solid residue was extracted with hot chloroform (3 X 50ml; ca 60C. The chloroform was evaporated in vacuo from the extract. The residue was chromatographed on a column of chromatographic silica gel (column dimensions: 20 X 3.5 cm.) using a 1:3 v/v mixture of diethyl ether and petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60C.) as eluant. The solvents were evaporated in vacuo from the eluate to give 4-(2- methylindol-l-yl)quinoline, m.p. 7880C.

A solution of 4-(2-methylindol-l-yl)quinoline (6g.) in dioxan (50ml.) was added to 2N-acetic acid (50ml.) containing 37% w/v formalin solution (l.6g.) and 30% w/v aqueous dimethylamine solution (3.2g). The mixture was heated at 80C. for 4 hours. A further quantity of 37% w/v formalin solution (1.6g.) and 30% w/v aqueous dimethylamine solution (3.2g.) were then added, and heating was maintained at 80C. for a further 16 hours. The mixture was then evaporated in vacuo to dryness. ZN-Aqueous potassium hydroxide solution (50ml.) was added to the residue, and the mixture was extracted with chloroform (3 X 50ml.). The combined chloroform extracts were extracted with 4N- hydrochloric acid (3 X 50ml.). The combined acidic extracts were basified with 40% w/v aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, and then extracted with chloroform (3 X 50ml.). The combined chloroform extracts were dried (MgSO and evaporated to yield an oil (6.8g) To a solution of the oil in dry ethanol 50ml.) was added iodide (3ml.), and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. The precipitate which formed was filtered off and dried at 60C. to give N-( lquinol-4-yl-2-methylindol-3-ylmethyl)trimethylammonium iodide, m.p. 2l3-2l5C. (decomposition).

A mixture of N-( l-quinol-4-yl-2-methylindol-3-ylmethyl)trimethylammonium iodide (6.5g), potassium cyanide (10g), Z-methoxyethanol (50ml.) and water (50ml.) was heated under reflux for 20 hours. The mixture was then cooledand diluted with water (l50ml.), and the resulting mixture extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 50ml.). The combined extracts were dried (MgSO and evaporated in vacuo to give a mixture of Z-methyl-l-quinol-4-ylindol-3-ylacetonitrile and 2- methyl- 1 -quinol-4-ylindol-3 -ylacetamide.

' EXAMPLE 4 A mixture of ethyl 1-quinazolin-4-ylindolin-3- yl-acetate (2.6g.) and 10% w/w palladium on charcoal catalyst (1.3g.) in diphenyl ether (20ml.) was heated under reflux for 30 minutes. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, mixed with diethyl ether (50ml.) and filtered through diatomaceous earth. The solid residue was washed with diethyl ether (50ml.). The combined diethyl ether solution was evaported in vacuo, and the residue was chromatographed on silica gel (ca g.) using, as eluant, petroleum ether (b.p. 4060C.) containing an increasing proportions of diethyl ether. Diphenyl ether was recovered from the first fractions (rich in petroleum ether). Evaporation in vacuo of later fractions gave a syrup which crystallised from a mixture of diethyl ether and petroleum ether (b.p. 4060C.) to give ethyl l-quinazolin-4-ylindol-3- ylacetate, m.p. 6567C.

In a similar manner, starting with the appropriate indoline derivative, there were obtained the following compounds:

yl-acetate H CO C H cH o l l CH T 3 IIIX R Characteristic Properties quinazolin-4-yl m.p. l 2 l-l 23C.

benzthiazol-Z-yl m.p. l 58l 60C.

4-methyl-2-phenylpyrimidinm.p. l 60] 62C.

quinol-4-yl NMR: OCH 16.l5 (It should be noted that Shown to be pure on this product was obtained thin layer chromatofrom the corresponding 7- graphy (TLC) on silica chloroquinol-4-yl gel; elution with 1:1 derivative described below; v/v etherzpetroleum i.e. the 7-chlorine ether, b.p. 4060C.* substituent was removed during the reaction.)

quinol-Z-yl NMR: OCH;,, 76.12

. Shown to be pure on TLC (system as above) Hereinafter referred to as system A.

The ethyl l-quinazolin-4-ylindolin-3-ylacetate used as starting material in this Example was obtained as follows: Y

A mixture of 4-chloroquinazoline (23g) and ethyl indolin-3-lyaceta'te (2.6g) in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (30ml.) was heated under reflux for minutes. The mixture was cooled and filtered, and the solid residue was dissolved in ice-water (40ml). To the solution was added saturated sodium acetate solution (10ml), and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 50ml.). The combined extracts were dried (Na SO and the solvent evaporated in vacuo to give ethyl lquinazolin-4-ylindolin-3-ylacetate as a syrup which was proved to be pure by TLC (system A).

The ethyl 5-methoxy-2-methyl-1-quinazolin-4-ylindolin-3-ylacetate (m.p.l26-128C.) used as starting material was prepared in analogous fashion from ethyl 5-methoxy-2-methylindolin-3-ylacetate.

The ethyl S-methoxy-Z-methyll 4-methyl-2- phenylpyrimidin-6-yl)indolin-3-ylacetate used as start-.

ing material in this Example was obtained as follows:

A- mixture of ethyl 5-methoxy-2-methylindolin-3- 5 (2.0g), 6-chloro-4-methyl-2- phenylpyrimidine (1.76g.) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.5ml.) in ethanol (50ml.) was heated under reflux for 5 hours. The solution was cooled, saturated sodium acetate solution (3ml.) was added, and the mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was diluted with water (30ml.) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 30ml.). The combined extracts were washed with water and then dried (Na SO and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo at ca 50C. to give ethyl S-methoxy-Z-methyll -(4-methyl-2- phenylpyrimidin-6-yl)indolin-3-ylacetate as a syrup. This was shown to be pure by TLC (System A) and by NMR spectroscopy (OCH at 6.231).

In a similar manner, starting with the appropriate chloroheterocyclic compound, the following indoline starting materials were obtained:

Shown to be pure on TLC (System A) 7-chloroquinol- NMR: OCH 16.l8

4-yl Shown to be pure on TLC (System A) benzthiazol-Z-yl m.p.9 l-93C.

EXAMPLE 5 A mixture of ethyl l-(7-chloroquinol-4-yl)-5- methoxy-2-methylindolin-3-ylacetate (7.0g.) and 2,3,- 5,6-tetrachloro-l ,4-benzoquinone (5.6g.) in dry xylene (50ml) was heated under reflux for 1.5 hours. The mixture was then cooled and filtered. The filtrate was Washed successively with cold 2N-sodium hydroxide solution (2 X 30ml.) and water (2 X 50ml.). The organic layer was dried (MgSO and evaporated in vacuo to dryness, and the residue (dissolved in the minimum volume of diethyl ether) was adsorbed on a column of chromatographic silica gel (column dimensions: 15 X 3.5cm.). The column was eluted with a 1:3 v/v mixture of diethyl ether and petroleum ether (b.p. 4060C.), and the eluate was evaporated in vacuo to give ethyl l-(7-chloroquinol-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2- .methylindol-3-ylacetate as a yellow oil, NMR: OCH

The preparation of the indoline derivative used as starting material is described in Example 4.

EXAMPLE 6 2N-Sodium hydroxide (50ml.) was added to a solution of ethyl l-(7-chl0roquinol-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2- methylindol-3-ylacetate (2g.) in ethanol (50ml.), and the mixture was heated at C. for 15 minutes. The ethanol was evaporated in vacuo, and the residue was diluted with water (50ml.). The resulting mixture was filtered, and the solid residue was dissolved in water (30ml.). The solution was adjusted to pH 5 with concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the resulting precipitate was filtered off and dried at 60C. There'was thus obtained l-( 7-chloroquinol-4-yl )-5-methoxy-2- methylindol-3-ylacetic acid, m.p. 248-250C.

EXAMPLE 7 17 methyl- 1 -quinol-2-ylindol-3-ylacetic acid, m.p. l73l75C., and from ethyl 5-methoxy-2-methyl-lquinazolin-4-ylindol-3-ylacetate there was obtained 5- methoxy-Z-methyll -quinazlin-4-ylindol-3-ylacetic acid monohydrate. m.p.l0ll()3C.

EXAMPLE 8 The method described in Example 4 was carried out using ethyl S-methoxy-Z-methyl-l-(2-phcnylquinol-4- yl)indolin-3-ylacetateas starting material. There was thus obtained ethyl -methoxy-2-methyl-l-(2- phenylquinol-4-yl)indol-3-ylacetatc, NMR: --OCH 'r6.l2. The product was shown to be pure by TLC on silica gel; elution with 5:1 ether: petroleum ether (b.p. 4060C.).

The indoline derivative used as starting material was obtained by the method described above in respect of compounds of the formula XII, and it had NMR: -OCH 16.l5. It was shown to be pure by TLC on silica gel; elution with 1:1 ether: petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60C.).

EXAMPLE 9 In a similar manner to that described in Example 5, starting with methyl l-(7-chloroquinol-4-yl)-2- methylindolin-3-ylacetate, there was obtained methyl l-(7-chloroquinol-4-yl)-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate as an oil, NMR: OCH 1'6.2l.

In a similar manner, using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano- 1,4-benzoquinone instead of 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-l,4-

benzoquinone, from ethyl l-(6-chloro-4-methylquinol- 2-yl)-5-methoxy-Z-methylindolin-3-ylacetate, there was obtained ethyl l-(6-chloro-4-methylquinol-2-yl)-5- methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate, m.p.137-l38C.,

and from ethyl l-(7-chloro12-methylquinol-4-yl)-5- methoxy-2-methylindolin-B-ylacetate there was obtained ethyl l-(7-chloro-2-methylquinol-4-yl)-5- methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate as .an oil, NMR: -OCH 1-6.l7.

The following indoline derivatives used as starting materials were prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 4 for the preparation of ethyl 5- methoxy-Z-methyll 4-methyl-2-phenylpyrimidin-6- yl)indoline-3-ylacetate:

EXAMPLE 10 In analogous manner to that described in Example 7,

the following compounds were prepared from the ap S .propriate methyl or ethyl ester:

A solution of methyl l-(7-chlorocinnolin-4-yl)-5- methoxy-2-methylindolin-3-ylacetate (7 .9g,) in dry 1,2-dimethoxyethane [80m.; dried over sodium alumino-silicate (molecular sieve type 4A; obtainable from BDH Chemicals Ltd, Poole, England)] was mixed with a solution of 2,3-dichloro-5,-dicyano-1,4- benzoquinone (4.5g) in dry 1,2-dimethoxyethane (30ml.). The solution was heated under reflux for 20 minutes and then evaporated in vacuo. The residue was extracted with chloroform (5 X 50ml.). Evaporation of the extracts gave an oil, which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (350g), using ether as eluant, to give methyl i-(7=ehlorocinnolin-4=yl)-5-methoxy-2 methylindol=3=ylacetate as a red syrup, homogeneous by thin layer chromatography (ether: silica gel) [hereinafter referred to as system C], and having a satisfac= tory NMR spectrum (5=OCH ,-r6.l3).

In a similar manner there were obtained from the ap= prepriate indoline derivatives: methyl l=(7= ehloroquinazolin=4=yl)=5=methoxy=2=methylindol=3= ylaectate (mp. ll2=l 14C.), methyl l=(6,8=

diehleroquinazelin=4=yl)=5=methoxy=2=methylindol=3= ylaeetate (m pr135=137C and methyl 2=methyl=l= quinazelin=4=yllndol=3=ylaeetate Esyrup, pure by TLC (systems A and C) and NMR spectroscopy system A;

GH CQ CH 7 Characteristic R" R properties CH O 7-chlorocinnolin-4-yl orange syrup; NMR: OCll; at 6. l 51-; shown to be pure by TLC (System C) yellow syrup; NMR: -OCH;, at 6.13-r; shown to be pure by TLC (System A) CH O 7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl yellow solid; m.p. 109-1 C.; pure by TLC (Systems A and C) H quinazolin-4-yl yellow syrup; pure by TLC CH O 6.8-dichloroquinaxolin-4-yl (Systems A and C) EXAMPLE l2 EXAMPLE l3 Ethyl 5-methoxy-2-methyll 2-phenylquinol-4- yl)indol-3-ylacetate (2.1g.) in ethanol (20ml.) and 2N- sodium hydroxide solution (20ml.) was refluxed for 0.25 hour. Most of the ethanol was removed in vacuo and the residue was diluted with water (50ml.). The resulting mixture was filtered, and the residue was washed with water and dried at 60C. to give 5- methoxy-Z-methyll 2-phenylquinol-4-yl )indol-3- ylacetic acid sodium salt monohydrate, m.p. l 79-l 80C.

EXAMPLE 14 A mixture of l-(7-chloroquinol-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2- methylindolin-3-ylacetic acid (lg.) and 2,3,5,6- tetrachloro-l,4-benzoquinone (lg.) in dry xylene (50ml.) was refluxed for 2 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue adsorbed on a column of chromatographic silica gel (50g.). The column was eluted with chloroform containing increasing amounts of methanol (starting with pure chloroform, and then using increments of l% v/v of methanol in chloroform; product mainly eluted with 5% methanol in chloroform) to give l-(7-chloroquinol-4yl)-5-methoxy-2- methylindol-3-ylacetic acid, m.p. 248-250C.

The indoline derivative used as starting material was prepared from ethyl l-(7-chloroquinol-4-yl)-5- methoxy-Z-methylindolin-3-ylacetate in a similar manner to that described in Example 7; it had m.p. 248-250C.

EXAMPLE 15 hydrochloride (2.15g.) in dry dimethylformamide (50ml.; dried with calcium hydride) was treated with 2,3-dichloro-5,6- dicyano-l,4-benzoquinone (l.2g.). The mixture was heated on a steam bath for 2 hours and then an addi- 5 tional portion of the benzoquinone derivative (0.6g)

was added. After further heating for l hour, the solution was poured into water 500ml.) containing anhydrous sodium acetate (l0g.). The mixture was extracted with chloroform (3 X 100ml.) and the solid residue, at the solvent interface, discarded. The chloroform extracts were washed successively with'water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, water and brine, and then dried (MgSO Evaporation of the solution gave an oil, which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (100g) in an increasing gradient of ether in petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60C.) (polarity increased by incremental addition of 10% v/v ether) to give methyl l-(7 chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2- methylindol-3-ylacetate as a yellow solid, m.p. l l2l 14C. The starting material was prepared as follows:

A mixture of methyl 5-methoxy-2-methylindolin-3- yl-acetate (9.5g.) and 4,7-dichloroquinazoline (8.0g.)

' in dry l,2-dimethoxyethane (l00ml.; dried over sodium alumino-silicate, see Example ll) was heated under reflux for 1 hour. The mixture was cooled to 20-25C. and the resulting mixture filtered to give methyl l-( 7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl )-5-methoxy-2- methylindolin-3-yl)acetate hydrochloride, m.p. l 88-190C. (decomposition).

EXAMPLE 16 (l0ml.). The mixture was stirred at 30-40C. for 4 hours, and then poured into water (SOOmL). The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (4 X ml.) and the extracts washed successively with water (2 X 100ml.) and brine (100ml.), and then dried (sodium sulphate). Evaporation of solvent gave an oil which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (250g) using an increasing gradient of ether in petroleum ether (b.p.40-60C.) (the polarity increased by incremental addition of 10% v/v ether) to give ethyl 5-methoxy-2- methyl- 1 -(quinazolin-4-yl)indol3-ylacetate, m.p. l 2 1 -123C.

In a similar manner there was obtained methyl l-(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3- ylacetate, m.p.l 12-l 14C., from the appropriate starting materials.

EXAMPLE 17 was treated with a solution of 4-chloroquinazoline (1.7g.) in dry 1.2-dimethoxyethane (20ml.). The resulting solution was heated under'reflux for 4 hours and then concentrated in vacuo. To the residue was added a saturated solution of sodium acetate (30ml. and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (50ml.). The

21 aqueous phase was separated and further extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 50ml.). The combined ethyl acetate extracts were washed successively with. water (50ml.). saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (50ml.), water (50ml.) and brine (50ml.), and then dried (magnesium sulphate) and evaporatedin vacuo. The residual syrup was chromatographed on silica 1 Compound Characteristic number R R R Properties (see below) (l) quinazolin-4-yl methoxy dimethylm.p. 142-145'C.

amino (2) 6-methoxy-4-methylethoxy methoxy NMR: OCH:, at 6.11: pure quinol-Z-yl by TLC (on silica gel:

elution with ether: petroleum ether (b.p.4()-6()C.)1:3)*

(3) 7-methylquinol-4-yl methoxy methoxy NMR:5OCH=, at 6.11",

'- pure by TLC (System C) (4) quinoxalin-2-yl methoxy methoxy m.p. 110-112C.

TLC system hereinafter referred to 11s system 1') (300g) using an increasing gradient of ether in petroleum ether (b.p. 4060C.) (polarity increased by incremental addition of v/v ether) to give ethyl 5- methoxy-2-methyll quinazolin-4-yl )indol-3- ylacetate, m.,p.12l-l23C. g

In a similar manner there was obtained methyl2- methyl-S-methoxyl 7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl )indol-3 ylacetate, m.p. l 12-l l4?C., from the appropriate starting materials.

EXAMPLE 18 A mixture of laevulinic acid 15g.) and acetaldehyde N-( 7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl )-p-methoxyphenylhydrazone hydrochloride (3.-3g.) washeated at 95-100C. for 18 hours. The mixture was poured into water (ca 300ml. and the precipitated pale yellow solid was collected by filtration and dissolved in a mixture of water (80ml.) and ammonia solution (specific gravity 0.88, ca 5ml.). The solution was washed withethyl acetate (2 X ml.). Addition of sodium chloride (ca 10g.) to the aqueous phase caused a yellow solid to precipitate. This was collected by filtration, and then dissolved in water. The solution was acidifed with glacial acetic acid until precipitation was complete. The mixture was filtered to give, as solid residue, 2-methyl-5-methoxy-l- (7-eh1oroquinazolin-4-yl)indol-3-y1acetic acid monohydrate, m.p. 98-100C.

The starting material was obtained as follows:

To a solution of 4,7-dichloroquinazoline (2.0g.) in dry 1,2-dimethoxyethane (50m1.; dried over sodium aluminosilicate, see Example 11) was added acetaldehyde p-methoxyphenylhydrazone (1.6%). and the mixture was heated under reflux for minutes. The mixture was cooled to ca 25C. and the precipitate of acetaldehyde N-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-p-methoxyphenylhydrazone hydrochloride, m.p.193-195C. (decomposition), was collected by filtration.

EXAMPLE 19 In an analogous manner to that described in Example 4. the following compounds were prepared:

The indoline derivative used as starting material in the preparation of compound (1) above, i.e. methyl 5- dimethylamino-Z-methyll -quinazolin-4-ylindolin-3- ylacetate, was prepared as follows:

A solution of methyl l-acetyl-2-methylindolin-3- ylacetate (6.83 g.) in concentrated sulphuric acid (45 ml.) was cooled to 0C. and a solution of sodium nitrate (2.67 g.) in concentrated sulphuric acid (20 ml.) was added dropwise during 0.5 hr. The mixture was stirred at 0C. for a further 0.5 hr and then poured onto ice (300 ml.). The resulting precipitate was filtered and washed well with water. Crystallisation from'methanol gave methyl 1-acetyl-2-methyl-5-nitroindolin-3- ylacetate, m.p. 106C.

A solution of this nitro derivative (12.3 g.) in methanol (400 ml.) containing 37% w/v formalin solution (7 ml.) was shaken with 10% w/w palladium on charcoal (10.5 g) in an atmosphere of hydrogen at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The hydrogen uptake was 5,150 ml. After hydrogenation, the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residue was crystallised from benzene to give methyl 1- acetyl-S-dimethylamino-Z-methylindolin-3-ylacetate, m.p. 122C.

A solution of this dimethylamino derivative (8 g.) in methanol (125 ml.) was refluxed for 1 hour whilst a stream of hydrogen chloride gas was passed through it. Anhydrous sodium acetate (5 g.) was added to the reaction mixture, and the bulk of the methanol removed I in vacuo at 40C.

The residue was dissolved in ether (50 ml.), and the solution was washed successively with saturated aqueous sodium acetate solution (20 ml.) and water (20 ml.). The ethereal solution was dried (MgSO and evaporated to yield methyl S-dimethylamino-Z- methylindolin-3-ylacetate as an oil, shown to be pure by TLC (System C).

This indoline derivative was then reacted with 4- chloroquinazoline in a similar manner to that described in Example 4 for the preparation of ethyl l-quinazolin- 4-ylindolin-3-ylacetate, and there was obtained methyl 5-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-quinazolin-4-ylindolin- 3ylacetate, as a syrup which was shown to be pure by TLC (systems A and B). Y

The indoline derivatives used as starting materials in the preparation of compounds (2) and (3) in the above table were prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 4 for ethyl 5methoxy-2-methyl-l- (4-methyl-2-phenylpyrimidin-6-yl)indolin-3-ylacetate. Both compounds had NMR: -OCH at 6.21, and both were shown to be pure by TLC (systems A, C and D) The indoline derivative used as starting material in the preparation of compound (4) in the above table was prepared as follows:

Anhydrous sodium acetate (3.6 g.) was added to a R R Characteristic properties fi-chloroquinol-Z-yl methoxy m.p. l93-l95c. 8-chloroquinol-4-yl methoxy m.p. 272-273C.(hemihydrate) 7-bromoquinol-4-yl methoxy m.p. l-253C.(hemihydrate) 7-methoxyquinol-4-yl methoxy m.p. l23l 25C hemihvdrate) 7-methylquinol-4-yl methoxy m.p. 268-269C. 6-methoxy-4-methy'lquinol-Z-yl methoxy m.p. l08-l l0C.(hemihydrate) isoquinol-l-yl methoxy m.p. l95C.(hemihydrate) 7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl methyl m.p. ll5-l 18C. 7-trifluoromethylquinol-4-yl methoxy m.p. ISO-182C. 6 7-dichloroquinol-4-yl methoxy m.p. 258-260C. 6-0hloro-4-phenylquinazolin-2- methoxy m.p. 98 -lOOC.(monohydrate) EXAMPLE 2i mixture of methyl 5-methoxy-2-methylindolin-3- ylacetate (8.0 g.) and 2,3-dichloroquinoxaline (6.8 g.) in diethyleneglycol dimethyl ether (150 ml), and the mixture was heated under reflux for 12 hrs. The mixture was then cooled and poured into water (800 ml.), and the aqueous suspension was extracted with ethyl acetate '(3 X 50 ml.). The combined extracts were washed successively with water (4 X 30 ml.) and a saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride (50 ml.). and then dried (M380 and evaporated. The resultant 7 syrup was chromatographed on chromatographic silica 3 gel (M.F.C., 300 3.) using an increasing gradient of di- 40 ethyl ether in petroleum ether (b.p. 4060C) (polarv ity increased by incremental addition of 10% v/v v H ether.) The combined eluate was evaporated to give r 3 methyl l-(B-chloroquinoxalin-Z-yl)-5-methoxy-2- 1 methylindelin-B-ylacetate, m.p. l55-l57C. a R t R R' R Characteristic Quinone properties used 7=ehloroqulnuzolln-4 methoxy methyl NMR: -CH at Lon DDO yl pure by TLC y Y 2 (System A). 6=ehloroqulnol=2=yl methoxy methoxy m.pr l04=l05C. DDQ 8=ehloroqulnol=4=yl methoxy methoxy NMRiS=OCH at DDO M87: are by TLC (System Cr 7=bremequlnel=4=yl methoxy methoxy NMR:S=OCH ut DDQ 6:201: ure by v TLC( ysiem C) =ehlero=4=phenyl= ethoxy methoxy mpz l 43=l4 4z DDQ quinazellmi 6,7=d|ehloroqulnal=4= methoxy methoxy NMRzS=CH at DDQ yl else: gure by TLC( ystems A v and C) 7=trifluommethyl= methoxy methoxy NMRS=OH at DDQ qumsl=d=yl 626?; gure by LCt ystems A "r" and @l Quinone used 7-methoxyquino1-4-yl methoxy methoxy NMRzS-OCH at 6.181; pure by TLC (System C) methoxy methoxy NMR:5-OCh;, at

6.221; pure by isoquinol-l-yl TLC (Systems A and C) The starting material used in the preparation of the first compound in the above table, i.e. methyl l-(7- ch1oroquinaz0lin-4-yl)-2,5-dimethy1indoIin-3- ylacetate, was obtained in an analogous manner to that described in Example 4 for the preparation of ethyl 1- quinazo1in-4-ylindolin3-ylacetate. TI-Ie compound had NMR: CI-1 at 7.6 'r and was shown to be pure by TLC (Systems A and B).

The indoline derivatives used as starting materials in the preparation of all of the other compounds in the above table were prepared in analogous manner to that described in Example 4 for the preparation of ethyl 5- methoxy-Z-methyll 4-methyl-2-phenylpyrimidin-6- yl)indolin-3-y1acetate, and they have the following characteristic properties:

CH O ca coa R R Characteristic properties 6-chloroquin01-2-y1 methm.p. 128-1 C.

oxy

8-chloroquin01-4-y1 meth- NMRzS-OCH; at 6.201';

oxy pure by TLC (System C) 7-bromoquino1-4-yl meth- NMR:5OCI-I at 6.181;

oxy pure by TLC (System C) 6-chloro-4-phenylethoxy m.p. 174-1 75C.

quinazolin-Z-yl 6,7-dich1oroquino1-4-yl meth- NMR:5--OCH at 6.151; oxy pure by TLC (Systems A and C) 7-trifluoromethy1- meth- NMRzS-OCH; at 6.201; quino1-4-yl oxy pure by TLC (Systems A and C) 7'meth0xyquino1-4-y1 meth- NMRzS-OCH at 6.171;

oxy pure by TLC (System C) isoquinol-l-yl meth- NMR:5OCH;; at 6.201;

oxy pure by TLC (System A and C) EXAMPLE 22 In a similar manner to that described in Example 17, but starting with ethyl a-methyllaevulinate p-methoxyphenylhydrazone, there was obtained ethyl a-[ 1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-y1)- 5-methoxy-2- methylindol-3-yl]propionate as a viscous syrup which was pure by TLC (System C) and had NMR: OCH at 6.20 1'.

EXAMPLE 23 In a similar manner to that described in Example 18, (but the ammonium salt was not isolated in every case) the following compounds were obtained from the appropriate phenylhydrazone derivatives:

In a similar manner, using a-methyllaevulinic acid and v acetaldehyde N-(7-chloroquinazo1in-4-yl)-pmethoxyphenylhydrazone hydrochloride as starting materials, there was obtained a-[ l-( 7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methy1indol-3- yl]propionic acid, m.p. -l12C.

The following hydrazone derivatives, used as starting materials in preparing the indole derivatives described in this Example (except for the last, in respect of which see Example 18), were prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 18:

R R" Characteristic properties 7-fluoroquinazolin-4-y1 methoxy NMR: -OCH;, at 6.131; pure by TLC (Systems A and D) m.p. 156-15 C. NMR: -OCH:, at 6.201", pure by TLC (Sg stems A and C) m.p. -13 C. m.p. 200205C.( decomposition) (hydrochloride) m.p. -192C.

(hydrochloride) 7-bromoquinazolin-4-yl methoxy 8-ch1oroquinazo1in-4-y1 methoxy 7-methy1quinazo1in-4-ymethoxy 7-ch1oroquinazolin-4-yl methyl 2 -methy1quinazo 1in-4-y1 methoxy 27 28 EXAMPLE 24 Continued R R R Chi 1 e Methyl l-(7-chloroqu1nol-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2- g a g methylindol-3-ylacetate (1.7g.) in methanol (50ml) containing 30% w/v methylamine solution (25ml) was f f i g ;L% -'h .T; UT refluxed for IO hours. The solvents were evaporated 1n 5 I methuxy (systefim A i D) vacuo and the residue crystallised from a 1:1 v/v mixl; f phcnnxy methyl s/yrup; NMR:5CH;,, ture of benzene and cyclohexane to give l-(7- iiz gr i 2: 35? chloroquinol-4-yl )-5-methoxy-N,2-dimethylindol-3- hl; r ;quinazolin phenoxy fluoro m,p.l 22-124C.

( ylacemr md -P- 168 169 C' 7-chloroqumalollnethoxy fluoro syrup; NMR;2CH3 In a similar manner, from methyl l-(7-chloroqumoll0 4-yl 777; pure by TLC .i. '-2 I 1 I (Systems A and D) yl) Q Y me thyllndol yllcetflte md a 7chloroqulnazohnmethox methyl syrup: NMR:CH;,, mum hydroxide solution (spec fic gravity 0.88) there 4yl 7.61; pure hy TLC was obtained 1-(7-chloroqumol-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2- (Systems A and C) methylindol 3 ylacetamide m p 0 148C and 7-chliiroemnohnmethoX) methoxy synp; NMRzS-OCH Y 64 It 1'; pure by TLC from methyl 1-(7-chloroqu1nol-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2- l5 4 I System C) v Q methyl1ndol-3-ylacetate and hydrazine hydrate solution )f' 'flfljf gh g there was obtained 1(7-chloroqumol-4-yl)-5-methoxy- 4-vl 2-methylindol-3-yl acetohydrazine, m.p. l83-l84C., MhlmbquinoM-W melhoxy et oxy m.p.l03l()5C.

and from methyl 1-(7-chloroquinazoIin-4-yl)-5- methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate and hydrazine hy- EXAMPLE 26 drate solution there was obtained 1-(7- In a similar manner to that described in Example q -Y f y but starting with the appropriate 1-substituted-indol-3- ylacetohydmzlde 165 ylacetic acid and amine, there were obtained the fol- EXAMPLE 25 25 lowing amides:

A solution of anhydrous l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)- 5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-y1acetic acid (1.9g.) in CH O 3 ethanol-free chloroform (30ml., dried with calcium 5 chloride) was treated with triethylamine (O.5ml.; dried l over potassium hydroxide pellets) at 0C. A solution of 30 ethyl chloroformate (0.48ml.) in dry, ethanol-free, N CH chloroform ('1 Oml.) was then added, and the mixture L 3 stirred at 0C. for 1 /2 hours. A solution of 2-N,N- dimethylaminoethanol (0.56ml.) in chloroform (5ml.)

R R7 Characteristic was then added. The mixture was heated under reflux properties for 2 hours, and then added to water (100ml.). The

chloroform layer was separated, washed with water, Z- EP WW i-i-Y} SE -p-:2:2g:g-

purified by chromatography on silica gel 150g.) in a 7-chliwrtllquinazolin- NHPh m.p.l32-I33C.

mixture of 5% v/v methanol and 95% v/v chloroform to 40 7 chk;ryoquinamlin NHz mplgklggoci give, after the elution of low polarity impurities,

B-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl l-(7-chloroquinazoIin-4- i"fi NHNH: -P-

yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate as a pale yellow oil, NMR: OCI-I at 6.237. h h I EXAMPLE 27 In a similar manner, starting wit t e appropriate substituted indol-3ylacetic acid and the appropriate A mlxtllre phenol (027%) and anhyflirous alcohol or phenol, there were Obtained: chloroqumazohn-4-yl)-5:methoxy-2-methyl1ndol-3- ylacetlc acid (1.0g) in dry 1,2-dimethoxyethane (20ml; dried over sodium aluminosilicate powder) was stirred at room temperature and treated with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (O.75g.). The mixture became opaque, and was stirred overnight at room temperature and then filtered. Evaporation of the filtrate gave a dark yellow syrup, which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (175g), using an increasing gradient I CH of ether in petroleum ether (b.p. 4060C (polarity R ca 0011 3 increased b meremental addition of IO% v/v ether).

y The major product, phenyl l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4- yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate, was obtained R R R Characteristic as a yellow glass (NMR: OCI-I at 6.201; pure by TLC:

propeme systems A and D), from the petrol rich fractions. A sec- 7-chloroquinazolinn-butoxy methoxy syrup; NMRzS-OCH P q -yU- -y gizgzzaflflg methoxy-Z-methylindol-3-ylacetyl]-I ,3- 7-chloroquinazolinethoxy methoxy m.p:l()3 I05C. dicycloheXylureaq was Obtained as a pale yellow Solid of -Y mp. l05-107C. (NMR: OCH at 6.231; pure by TLC: 7-chloroqumazohnbenzyloxy methoxy syrup; NMR:5OCH C 6.23-r; pure by TLC System t y t A nd D) In a similar manner, starting with the appropriate I- phemxy methoxe" Syrup: substituted indol-3-ylacetic acid and the alcohol or 6 151: pure by TLC (Systems A and D phenol, there were obtained:

29 R on 0012 R R R Characteristic properties 7-chloroquinazolinn-butoxy methoxy syrup; NMR:5OCH:,, 4-yl 6.21. pure by TLC (Systems A and C) 7-chloroquinazolinethoxy methoxy m.p. l 03- l 05C.

-y 7-chloroquinazolinhenzyloxy methoxy sfiyrup; NMR:5OCH;,, 4. .231; pure by TLC h (Systenr IsNA and D) 7-chloroquinazolinphenoxy met oxy syrup; R:5OCH 4-yl 6.151; pure by TLC Systems A and D) 7-chloroquinazolincyclo methoxy syrup; NMR:5-OCH 4-yl hexyl- 6.21; pure by TLC methoxy (Systems A and D) 7-chloroquinazolinphenoxy methyl syrup; NMR:5CH

4. 1 7.551; pure by TLC (Systems A and D) 7-chloroquinazolinphenoxy fluoro m.p. 1 22-1 24C.

4-yl 7-chloroquinazolinethoxy fluoro syrup; NMR:2CH

4-yl I 7.71; pure by TLC (Systems A and D) 7-chloroquinazolinmethoxy methyl syrup; NMR:5CH

4. 7.61, pure by TLC (Systems A and C) 'I-chlorocinnolinmethoxy methoxy syrup; NMR:5-OCH,-,.

4-yl 6.131; pure by TLC (System C) u|nazolin- 4-yl ethoxy methoxy m.p.l2l-l23C. -chloroqumazolin-* methoxy methoxy m.p.l l2-l l4C.

-y w 7-chloroqumol-4-yl methoxy methoxy m.p. l ()3-l05C.

EXAMPLE 28 In a similar manner to that described in Example 27 but starting with the appropriate l-substituted-indol-S- ylacetic acid and amine, there were prepared the following amides: I

A solution of sodium (0.7g.) in dry methanol (30ml.; dried over sodium alumino-silicate) was added to a solution of l-(2,6-dichloropyrimid 4-yl)-2,5-

dimethylindol-S-ylacetic acid (3.5g.) in dry methanol (90ml.), and the mixture was heated under reflux for 2 hourssAfterremoval of solvent under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in water (50ml.) and the solution acidified to pH 4 with acetic acid. The result- EXAMPLE 3O Methyl 1-( 7-chloroquinol-4-yl )-5-methoxy-2- methylindol-3-ylacetate (1g) and sodium borohydride (1g.) in methanol (30ml.) were refluxed for 1 hour. Most of the methanol was then removed in vacuo, and the residue was diluted with water (50ml.), and extracted with-ethyl acetate (3 X 50ml.). The combined extracts were dried (MgSO and evaporated to give an' oil, which was chromatographed on silica gel (100g.) using, as e'luant, petroleum ether (b.p. 4060C.) containing an increasing proportion of ether (polarity increased by incremental addition of 10% v/v ether) to give l-( 7-chloroquinol-4-yl )-3-( 2-hydroxyethyl )-5- methoxy-2-methylindole, m.p. l43l45C.

Similarly, from methyl l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)- 5-methoxy-2-methylind0l-3-ylacetate, there was obtained l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-3-(2- hydroxyethyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-indole, m.p. l48-150C., and from methyl l-(7-chloroquinazolin- 4-yl)-2,5-dimethylindol-3-ylacetate, there was obtained l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-2,5-dimethyl-3-(2- hydroxyethyl)indole as a glass [pure by TLC (system A) and having a satisfactory NMR spectrum (Cl-l at 7.61 and -CH at 7.77)].

EXAMPLE 31 A solution of l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-2.5- dimethylindol-3-ylacetic acid (1.8g.) in dimethylformamide 301111.; dried by distillation from calcium hydride) was added to sodium hydride (O.l3g.), and the mixture was stirred under a slight vacuum (ca mm. Hg) until complete dissolution occurred. Methyl iodide (2ml.) was then added, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 40-50C. The mixture was then added to water (200ml.) and the resulting mixture extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 50ml.). The combined extracts were washed successively with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (3 X 30ml), water and brine (50ml.). After drying (MgSO the extracts were evaporated in vacuo to give methyl l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-2,5- dimethylindol-3-ylacetic acetate as a stiff syrup [NMR:

5-Cl-l at 7.61, pure by TLC (system A)]. g

In a similar manner, starting with the appropriate alkyl halide, there were obtained:

R cH ooR 4 pure by TLC (Systems A and D) 7-chlorocinnolinmethoxy methoxy syrup; NMR:5--OCH;,,

4-yl 6. I31; pure by TLC (System C) quinazolin-4-yl ethoxy methoxy m.p. l 2 l-l 23C. 7-chloroquinazolinmethoxy methoxy m.p.l l2-l 14C.

EXAMPLE 32 A solution of acetaldehyde N -(7-chloroquinazolin- 4-yl)-p-methoxyphenylhydrazone hydrochloride (3.2g.) and 5-hydroxypentan-2-one (1.1 g.) in ethanol (60ml.) was refluxed for 18 hours. The mixture was cooled and filtered and the filtrate evaporated in' vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel (l0Og.) using, as eluant, petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60c.) containing an increasing proportion of ether (polarity increased by incremental addition of v/v ether) to give l-( 7-chloroquinazolin-%-yl)-3-(1 hydroxyethyl)-5-methoxy-2 methylindole, m.p.

l48l 50C. Similarly, from acetaldehyde N -(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-p-methylphenylhydrazone hydrochloride and S-hydroxypentan-Z-one, there was ob- 1 tained l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-2,5-dimethyl-3-(2- hydroxyethyl)indole as a glass [pure by TLC (system C) and having a satisfactory NMR spectrum CH 7 7.60 and ,Cl-l 1' 7.70)].

EXAMPLE 33 A solution of l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-3-(2- hydroxyethyl)-5-methoXy-2-methylindole (0.6g) and acetic anhydride (0.4g.) in benzene (20ml.; dried over sodium wire) was refluxed for 15 hours. The resulting yellow solution was cooled and washed successively with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (2 X 20ml.) and water (20ml.), and dried (MgSO The solution was evaporated to give 2-[1-(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl )-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3- yl]ethyl acetate as an oil [pure by TLC (system A) and having a satisfactory NMR spectrum (--OCH,, 1 6.18)].

EXAMPLE 34 A solution of ethyl l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5- hydroxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate (1.0g.) in dry dimethylformamide (10ml.); dried by distillation from calcium hydride, and stored over sodium aluminosilicate) was added'to sodium hydride (0.068g.), and the mixture was stirred under a slight vacuum (ca 150mm. l-lg) at room temperature for'l5 minutes. n-

Propyl iodide (0.9g.) was added to the resulting clear solution, and the mixture stirred at room temperature overnight. The solution was added to water (300ml.) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 40ml.). The combined extracts were washed with a saturated solution of sodium chloride (30ml.), dried (MgSO and then evaporated in vacuo. The yellow oil thus obtained was treated with tetrachloroethylene lOOml.) and the solution evaporated in vacuo. This process was then repeated with ethanol (50ml.) to give ethyl l-(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-2-methyl-5-n-propoxyindol-3- ylacetate as a stiff yellow syrup [NMR: 2-CH at 7.651'; pure by TLC (systems A and D)].

In a similar manner, but using rnethyl iodide, there was obtained ethyl l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5- methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate as a yellow solid. mp l03-l05C. [NMR1 5OCl-l at 6.21; pure by TLC (systems A and C)].

The S-hydroxyindole derivative used as starting material was obtained as follows:

A solution of ethyl 5-benzyloxyl 7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-2-methylind0l-3-ylacetate (1.5g.) in glacial acetic acid (5ml.) was treated with a 50% w/v solution of hydrogen bromide in glacial acetic acid (5ml.). The resulting dark red solution was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes and then neutralised by the addition to a mixture of saturated sodium acetate solution (50ml.) and water 150ml.). The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 X 50ml.) land the extracts washed successively with water (2 X 40ml.), saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (2 X 40ml.), water (40ml.) and then saturated sodium chloride solution (40ml.). After drying (MgSO the extracts gave on evaporation in vacuo a yellow-brown oil. Purification by chromatography on silica gel (200g.) in a mixture of 50% v/v ether and 50% v/v petrqleum ether (b.p. 40,"C.), gave ethyl l-(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-hydroxy-2-methylindol-3- ylacetate as a pale yellow glass [NMRc 2-Cl-l at 7.77; pure by TLC (systems A, C and D)].

The ethyl 5-benzyloxy-1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)- Z-methylindol-3-ylacetate used as starting material was obtained as a yellow syrup [NMRz 5-OCl-l at 6.251; pure by TLC (systems A and C)] from the correspond ing acetic acid in an analogous manner to that described in Example 31. v

The S-benzyloxy-l--(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-2- methylindol-3-ylacetic acid used as starting material was obtained as a yellow solid, mp 9799C. (decomposition) from acetaldehyde N -(7-chloroquinazolin-4- yl)-p-benzyloxyphenylhydrazone hydrochloride by an analogous procedure to that described in Example 18.

Y EXAMPLE 35 tracted with ethyl acetate (3X 50ml.) and the extracts washed with water (30ml.) and then with saturated so dium chloride solution (30ml.) before being dried (MgSO Evaporation of the solvent gave a dark brown syrup which crystallised on addition of methanol (40ml.) to give l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5- methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetic acid as a yellow solid, mp. 205-208C.

EXAMPLE 36 In a similar manner to that described in Example l8,

(but the ammonium salt was not isolated in every case) the following compounds were obtained from the appropriate substituted phenylhydrazone:

CH CO 1' c. .1 6 l R CH p 1 R R Characteristic properties 7chloroquinazo1in 5-OEt m.p.lC. (A H.,O)

4-yl 7-chloroquinazolin- 5Et m.p.l08-l09C. (V2 H O) 4-yl 6,8-dihromoquina- 5-OMe m.p.l23l3()C. (H O) zolin-4-yl 7-chloro-2-methyl- 5-OMe m.p.lO3l08C. (A H O) quinazolin-4-yl 7chloroquinazolin- 5 -t-Bu m.p. l20-122C.

4-yl quinaZolin-4-yl S-methyl m.p.Z 12-216C. 7-chloroquinazolin- 5,6-ethylenem.p.12813()C.

4-yl dioxy 7-chloroquinazolin- 4.6-dimethyl m.p. l 17C.

4-yl 7 ch1oroquinazolinmixture of 4 m.p.94-98C.

4-yl and 6-OMe 7-chloroquinazolinmixture of 4,5 m.p.l 14-1 18C.

4-y1 and 5.6-diMe 7-chloroquinazolin- 5Br m.p.95-100C. H O) 4-yl 5,7-dichloroquina- 5OMe m.p. l 135C.

zolin-4-yl 7-chloroquinazolin- SF m.p.99-100C. (H O) 4-yl 7-chloroquina2olin- 5.6-methylenedioxy 7-chloroquinazolin- 5Cl m.p.2l3-217C.

4-yl Z-methylquinazolin- 5-F pure by TLC (System E* 4-y1 A NMR:2CH at 7.801. 2-isopropylqu1nazol- 5-OMe pure by TLC (Systems A.

in-4-y1 C and E); NMRzZ-i-Pr at 8.60 and 8.681". 2-me4thylqumazolin- 5Me m.p.95-100C. (H O) 5OMe pure by TLC (Systems C *Chloroform 95 parts, methanol 4 parts, formic acid 1 part on silica gel; hereinafter referred to as System E.

In an analogous manner there were obtained a-[ l-( 7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3- yllisobutyric acid, m.p. 105l07C., and 01-1 l-(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-2,5-dimethylindol-3- yl]propionic acid, m.p. 98 -l02C. (monohydrate), from the appropriate starting materials.

The following hydrazone derivatives, which were used as starting materials in this Example, were prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 18:

Continued R R" Characteristic properties 7-chloro-2-methyl- 4OMe m.p.l74-175C. (dec.)

quinazolin4-yl (hydrochloride) 'l-chloroquinazolin- 4t-Bu pure by TLC (Systems A 4-yl and C); NMR:tBu at 8.657 7-ch1oroquinazolin- 3.4-ethylenem.p.203-206C. (dec.)

4-yl dioxy (hydrochloride) 'l-chloroquinazolin- 3,5-dimethyl glass; NMR:3.5diCH;; 4-yl at 7.557; pure by TLC (System C) 7-chloroquinazolin- 3-OMe m.p.97-l(llC.

7-chloroquinazolin- 3.4-dimethyl m.p.205-206C. (dec.)

4-yl (hydrochloride) 7-chloroquinazolin- 4Br m.p.175-178C. (dec.)

4-v1 5.7-dich1oroquina- 4-OMe glass; NMR:-OCH;, at zolin-4-yl 6.21; pure by TLC (Systems A and D) 7-chloroquinazolin- 4-F m.p.l98-200C. (dec.)

(hydrochloride) 7 chloroquinazolin- 3.4-methy1enem.p.209-210 C. (dec.)

dioxy (hydrochloride) 7-chloroquinazolin- 4Cl m.p.ZOO-206C. (dec.)

4-yl (hydrochloride) 2-methylquinazolin- 4- F syrup; NMR:CH at 4-vl 7.2T; pure by TLC (Systems A and C) 2-isopropylquina- 4-OMe syrup; NMR:CH doublet zo1in-4-y1 at 8.9T; pure by TLC (Systems A and D) 2-methylquinazolin 4-Me syrup: NMRz4-Cl-[ at 4-yl 7.8T; pure by TLC (System A) Z-ethylquinazolim 4-OMe syrup; NMRz-OCl-l at 4-y1 6.1'r'. pure by TLC (Systems A and C) quinazolin-4-yl 4Me syrup; N H3 at 7.851", pure by TLC (Systems A and C) EXAMPLE 37 A solution of methyl 1-(7-aminoquinazolin-4-yl)-5- methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate (0.5g.) in acetic acid 12 ml.) was treated with concentrated hydrochloric acid (1.5 ml.). The solution obtained was stirred at O-5C during the addition, over 15 minutes, of a solution of sodium nitrite (0.15g.) in water (2 ml.). The dark red solution was added dropwise to a solution of cuprous chloride (0.2g) in concentrated hydrochloric acid (5m1.) kept at room temperature. The mixture was then stirred for 1 hr. before addition of sufficient sodium acetate to adjust the pH of the mixture to 4-5. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuo and the residue treated with water (l00ml.) and ethyl acetate (50ml). The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 X 30ml.) and the extracts washed with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (2 X 30ml. After being washed with water (30 ml.) and dried (Na S0 evaporation of the extracts in vacuo gave an oil. which slowly solidified to give methyl 1-(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-indol-3- ylacetate as a yellow solid, m.p. l l 1l 14C.

The amino-derivative used as starting material was obtained as follows:

A solution of' methyl 5-methoxy-2-methyl-l-(7- nitroquinazolin-4-yl)indol-3-ylacetate (2.0g) in ethanol (ml; dried over sodium alumino-silicate) was treated with palladised charcoal (0.5g.; 10% w/w) and the mixture hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure. After the uptake of the theoretical amount of hydrogen, the catalyst was separated by filtration through a Celite pad. Evaporation of the ethanol gave a red syrup which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (g). The less polar by-products were removed by elution with ether. Elution with methanol then gave methyl l-(7-aminoquinazolin-4-y1)-5-methoxy-2- methylindol-3-ylacetate as an orange glass having a satisfactory NMR spectrum (-OCH at 6.157) and shown to be pure by TLC (system C).

The methyl 5-methoxy-2-methyl-l-(7 nitroquinazolin-4-yl)indol-3-ylacetate used as starting material was obtained as a red solid, m.p. 17918lC., from the corresponding indoline derivative as described in Example 1 1. Methyl 5-methoxy-2-methyl-l- (7-nitroquinazolin-4-yl-)-indolin-3-ylacetate was obtained as a red glass [NMRzS-OCl-l at 6.151'; pure by TLC (systems A and C in a similar manner to that described in Example 4 for the preparation of ethyl 1- quinazolin-4-ylindolin-3 -ylacetate.

EXAMPLE 38 In an analogous manner to that described in Example 16, there was obtained methyl l-(benzoxazol-2-yl)-5- methoxy-Z-methylindol-3-ylacetate, m.p. l25-l 26C., from the appropriate starting materials.

EXAMPLE 39 In a similar manner to that described in Example 18, 1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-y1)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol- 3-ylacetic acid was prepared from acetone N -(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-P-methoxyphenylhydrazone hydrochloride and laevulinic acid, and it was also prepared from benzaldehyde N-(7-chloroquinazolin-4- yl)-p-methoxyphenylhydrazone hydrochloride and 1aevulinic acid.

The starting materials were obtained as described in Example 18 for acetaldehyde N -(7-chloroquinazolin- 4-yl)-p-methoxyphenylhydrazone hydrochloride. Thus, from acetone p-methoxyphenylhydrazone and 4,7- dichloroquinazoline, there was obtained acetone N- (7-chloroquinazolin 4-yl)-p-methoxyphenylhydrazone hydrochloride [this compound was unstable; the free base was shown to be pure by TLC (system C) when first isolated, but it decomposed on keeping] and from benzaldehyde p-methoxyphenylhydrazone and 4,7- dichloroquinazoline, there was obtained benzaldehyde N 7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl )-p-methoxyphenylhydrazone hydrochloride, m.p. 227228C.

EXAMPLE 40 A mixture of l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-p-methoxyphenylhydrazine (2.0g.) and laevulinic acid (8.0g.) was heated at 90-95C for 4hrs. The dark red mixture was poured into water. The yellow precipitate was collected by filtration, dissolved in a mixture of Z-N-aqueous ammonia solution (25ml.) and water (25ml) and filtered.

The filtrate was washed with ether (2 X 30ml. and the aqueous layer acidified with acetic acid to pH 4 to give .oxo-compound, there were obtained the following de rivatives:

5 MeO N I e 1.

R R R R m.p.

7-chloroquinazo1in-4-yl H CO Me 1 12-1 14C 7-ch1oroquinazolin-4-yl H H CH OH 148150C 7-chloroquinazo1in-4-yl Me H CO H -1 12C 7-ch1oroquinazolin-4-y1 Me Me CO H 105107C 7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl H H CONH 197- 1 98C The starting material was obtained by the following two methods:

i. A solution of 4,7-dichloroquinazoline (1.0g.) and p-methoxyphenylhydrazine (0.7g.) in 1,2- dimethoxyethane (25m1.; dried over sodium aluminosilicate) was heated under reflux for 1 hr. The resulting red mixture was concentrated in vacuo to give a sticky residue, to which was added water (50ml.) and ethyl acetate (50ml.). The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 X 30ml.). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried (Na SO.,) and evaporated in vacuo. The resultant red syrup was purified by chromatography on silica (MFC,l30g.) in an increasing gradient of ethehr in petroleum ether (b.p. 4060C.) (polarity increased by incremental addition of 20% v/v ether), to give from the ether rich fractions, N -(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-p-methoxyphenylhydrazine, as a yellow solid, m.p.l25127C. ii) A suspension of acetaldehyde N -(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-p-methoxyphenylhydrazone hydrochloride (15.0g.) in ethanol (ml.; dried over magnesium ethoxide) was cooled and stirred at 5-10C for 3 hrs. during the passage of dry hydrogen chloride. The mixture was then left at 0-5C. for 3 days before separation by filtration. The solid was washed with dry ether (l0ml.), and then dissolved in a mixture of water (30ml.), saturated sodium acetate solution (5ml.) and ethyl acetate (25ml.). The aqueous layer was extracted with more ethyl acetate (2 X 15ml.), and the extracts washed with water (20ml), dried (Na SO and evaporated to give N-(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-p-methoxyphenylhydrazine, m.p. -l27C.

EXAMPLE 41.

In an analogous manner to that described in Example 1 1 there was obtained methyl 1-( 2-methoxyquinazo1in- 4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate, m.p. 152-154C., from the appropriate starting material.

The starting material was prepared as follows:

A mixture of 2,4-dichloroquinazoline (3.2g), ethyl 5-methoxy-2-methylindolin-3-ylacetate (4.0g.) and triethylamine (223ml; dried over potassium hydroxide pellets) in dry 1,2-dimethoxyetehane (50ml.) was heated under reflux for 30 mins. The mixture was evaporated in vacuo, and to the residue was added water 100ml.) and ethyl acetate (50ml.). The aqueous layer was separated and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 X 30ml), and the extracts were washed with water (30ml.), dried (MgSO and evaporated. The residual syrup slowly crystallised to give ethyl 1-(2- chloroquinazo1in-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindo1in-3- ylacetate, m.p. 111-1 12C. This indoline ester (3.6g) was added to a solution of sodium (0.5g) in methanol (50ml.; dried over magnesium methoxide), and the resulting solution was heated under reflux for 18 hrs. After removal of methanol in vacuo, the mixture was added to water (50ml.) and acidified with acetic acid to give 1-(2-methoxyquinazolin-41yl)-5-methoxy-2- methylindolin-3-ylacetic acid hemihydrate, m.p. 1l5-120C. This acid (3.0g.) was dissolved in dry methanol (40ml) containing concentrated sulphuric acid (0. lml.), and the mixture was heated under reflux for hrs. Saturated sodium acetate solution (2ml.) was added, and the mixture was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between water (50ml.) and ether (40ml.). After separtion, the aqueous layer was extracted with ether (2 X 20ml.). Theether extracts were washed successively with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (20ml.) and water (20ml.), dried (Na SO and evaporated to give methyl l-(2- methoxyquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-Z-methylindolin- 3-ylacetate as a dark yellow syrup [pure by TLC (system A); NMR: 5-OCH at 6.37; 2-OCH at 6.157].

EXAMPLE 42.

To a solution of 1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5- methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetic acid (1.0g.) in dry methanol (50ml.) was added freshly distilled boron trifluoride etherate (O.5ml.), and the dark red solution was heated under reflux for 30 mins. To the solution was added saturated sodium acetate solution (5ml.), and the mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residual mixture was shaken with a mixture of water (50ml.) and chloroform (30ml). The aqueous layer was separated and extracted with further chloroform (2 X 20 ml.), and the combined extracts were washed successively with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (2 X 20ml.), water (l0ml.) and saturated sodium chloride solution (m1.). After drying, the extracts were evaporated to give methyl l-(7-chloroquinazolin- 4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate, m.p. l1l-113C.

In a similar manner, but starting with butan-l-ol, there was obtained n-butyl 1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4- yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate, as a yellow syrup [pure by TLC (systems A and C); NMR: 5-OCH at 6.21]. Ethyl 1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy- 2-methylindol-3-ylacetate was obtained similarly as a pale yellow solid, m.p. lO3lO5C.

EXAMPLE 43.

To a solution of anhydrous l-(7-chloroquinazolin-4- yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetic acid (1.0g.) in ethanol-free chloroform (30 ml; dried over calcium chloride) was added a solution of thionyl chloride (0.19 ml.) in chloroform (2ml). The resulting dark red solution was stirred at room temperature for 30 mins., and then methanol ml.) was added. The mixture was heated under reflux for 30 mins., saturated sodium acetate solution (2 ml.) was added, and the mixture was concentrated in vacuo. Water (30 ml.) was added to the residue and the mixture was extracted with ether (3 X 30 ml.). The ether extracts were washed successively with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (30 ml.) and water (30 ml.), and dried (Na SO Evaporation of the solvent gave a dark yellow oil, which slowly crystallised to give methyl 1-(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3- ylacetate, m.p. 112-l14C.

In a similar manner, but using ethanol, there was obtained ethyl 1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2- methylindol-3-y1acetate as a thick syrup of satisfactory purity by TLC (systems A and C) and by NMR (OCH at 6.27). This slowly crystallised to' give a yellow solid of m.p. 103105C.

EXAMPLE 44.

A solution of 1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5- methoxy-Z-methylindol-B-ylacetic acid (1.0.g.) in ammonia solution 1ml.; specific gravity 0.88) and carbon dioxide-free water (20 ml.) was evaporated to dryness in vacuo to give the corresponding ammonium salt as a yellow amorphous solid.

The ammonium salt was dissolved in carbon dioxidefree water (10 ml.), and to the resulting clear yellow solution was added a solution of aluminium nitrate monohydrate (0.33g.) in water (1().ml.). The yellow precipitate which formed was separated by filtration, washed with water (10ml.)), and dried over phosphorus pentoxide in vacuo to give aluminium 1-(7- chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3- ylacetate monohydrate, as a yellow solid of m.p. 204208C. (dec.)

In a similar manner there was obtained the calcium salt [1 /2H O;m.p. 203-205C. (dec.)] and the magnesium salt [l /211 0; m.p. 198-20lC.(dec.)] from calcium chloride and magnesium sulphate respectively.

EXAMPLE 45.

1 7-chloroquinol-4-yl )-5-methoxy-2-methyl-indol- 3-ylacetic acid (200 g.) was thoroughly mixed with lactose (400 g.) and 10% w/v aqueous gelatin solution (9 g.), and the mixture was then granulated. Maize starch (35 g.) was mixed with the granules, followed by magnesium stearate (6 g.), and the mixture was compressed into tablets containing 50,100 or 200 mg. of the active ingredient.

What we claim is:

l. A compound of the formula:

wherein:

R is a quinazolinyl radical or a quinazolinyl radical bearing not more than two substituents selected from C alkyl, C -alkoxy, C -alkylthio, amino, halogen, trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl and phenyl substituents, the quinazolinyl radical being linked to the nitrogen atom of the indole nucleus through position 2 or 4 of the quinazolinyl radical;

R is hydrogen or a C -alkyl radical;

R and R, which can be the same or different, are hydrogen or a methyl radical;

R is a radical of the formula -COR wherein R is a hydroxy, C -a1koxy, benzyloxy, phenoxy, di-C aikylamino-C -alkoxy, (C -cycloalkyl)methoxy, amino, C -alkylamino or di-C -alkylamino radical; and 

1. A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA:
 2. A compound as claimed in claim 1 which is optically active.
 3. A compound as claimed in claim 1 which is 1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetic acid or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 4. A compound as claimed in claim 1 which is 5-methoxy-2-methyl-1-(2-methylquinazolin-4-yl)indol-3-ylacetic acid or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 5. A compound as claimed in claim 1 which is 1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-2,5-dimethylindol-3-ylacetic acid or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 6. A compound as claimed in claim 1 which is 1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-fluoro-2-methylindol-3-ylacetic acid or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 7. A compound as claimed in claim 1 which is methyl 1-(7-chloroquinazolin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-ylacetate or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof. 